Peoria-area Alzheimer’s advocates descend on Springfield

Last week, area advocates for Alzheimer’s research and treatment were among a statewide delegation that traveled to the state Capitol to push for their priorities.

The central Illinois contingent was quite vigorous, numbering about a dozen out of 65 from throughout Illinois — clearly a good proportion of the group.

Former JS reporter and editor Angela Green-Toohill now works for the Alzheimer’s Association locally, and she submitted the following report:

About 65 Illinois residents — including a dozen from central Illinois — traveled to Springfield on Wednesday for the 2013 Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Action Summit.

The group met with Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon (wishing her a very happy birthday) and then broke apart so attendees could track down their respective senators and reps to discuss the Association’s 2013 legislative agenda.

2. Expand Medicaid in Illinois and support the care and financial support needs of eligible individuals living with younger onset Alzheimer’s. SB 26, sponsored by Sen. Heather Steans and Rep. Sara Feigneholtz, would do just that. The Medicaid expansion will serve as a safety net until these residents are eligible for Medicare. For this population in particular, symptoms of Alzheimer’s such as challenges with short-term memory, impaired judgement and difficulty making decisions can lead to an inability to work, loss of income and loss of employer-sponsored health benefits.

3. Join the Illinois Alzheimer’s Legislators Alliance to help bring awareness and education to the public health crisis looming from Alzheimer’s.